By the grace of God...

...Casey is alive today. First off...I am going to warn you right now that I have included a pretty graphic photo in this post of Casey's injuries. He has given me permission to post it. I did black out a part of it so it isn't indecent. But what you see in the photo could have been much worse.

Yesterday morning Casey was out riding on a dirt bike. He had a helmet on, but he didn't buckle the strap. Other than that, all he had on was jeans and a t-shirt. He was going about 60 miles per hour when he came up over a hill and a car pulled out right in front of him. He swerved and layed the bike down so he wouldn't hit the car. I don't even want to think of what would have happened if had hit the car. While the bike was sliding on the ground with him on it, his unbuckled helmet flew off.

Luck was on his side yesterday morning. Casey made the decision to ride that motorcycle without the necessary gear. Without even buckling his helmet. I think it is one of the dumbest decisions he has ever made, and I just pray that he realizes today that he isn't invincible. And that he truly believes there is a reason for all the safety gear you are supposed to wear. And that maybe he will just stay away from motorcycles for now. I hate them. I hate them with a passion.

If I wasn't so overly happy that he is alive...I would be over the top, kicking and screaming mad at him. I know that I actually do feel that way...but the part of me that just thanks God he is alive completely over powers any other emotions I am feeling right now.

As I sit here typing this...tears are just streaming down my face. I could have gotten a call that I dread most. My biggest fear...a fear that if I let it come to the surface it consumes me in nightmares...could have happened yesterday morning.

My little brother looks like this because he chose not to wear the right things. And truthfully...this could have been so much worse.

I know my parents have told him he needs to have safety gear on when he is on a motorcycle or a quad. But, he is seventeen. Seven months from legally being an adult. His decisions are his own. And this one came with consequences.

Pain. He is in a lot of pain. My dad had to redress some of the wounds last night. I think it is probably the most pain Casey has ever been in. Broken and dislocated bones, torn ligaments, surgery....they've got nothing on road rash.

He will be missing basketball tournaments, athletic camps that he as already signed up for...all of it gone in a second.

But, he still has his life. The rest of that really doesn't even matter compared to that very small statement. He still has his life.

So, for me....go hug your kid, or kids, or husband, or significant other, or pets....just hug something and tell them you are so happy that you have them.

~Lea